Vol. 472 No. 1
164 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the Structural Funds, if any, which have been allocated to complete the work on the Royal Canal; the budgeted cost of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22539/96]
The Royal Canal restoration project has been allocated £7 million under the Operational Programme for Tourism 1994-99. The total expenditure to date under this programme amounts to £2.06 million.
165 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the progress, if any, to date in relation to the removal of the bridge obstructions on the Royal Canal in counties Westmeath and Longford; the completion date of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22540/96]
The waterways service of my Department expects shortly to be in a position to seek planning permission for the reconstruction work to Moran's Bridge, Mullingar, County Westmeath. It is hoped, subject to the planning process, to begin the works on this crossing next year. It is also planned to rebuild two footbridges in the Mullingar area in due course.
